Responding to the release of HM Inspectorate of Constabulary’s report into the investigation of the Stephen Port murders, Liberal Democrat London Assembly Member and Crime and Policing Spokesperson Caroline Pidgeon AM said:
“The murders of Anthony Walgate, Gabriel Kovari, Daniel Whitworth and Jack Taylor were a tragedy and my thoughts remain with their family and friends who did not receive the level of support from the Met they deserved and have had to relive their pain during subsequent inquiries.
“It was clear at the time of the murders, LGBTQ+ voices expressing concerns about a serial killer were not listened to by the police, with Pink News correctly identifying a serial killer was at large before the Met would even take the suggestion seriously.
“It is also clear that families of the victims were treated appallingly both during and after the investigation.
“The misconduct and failings of the Met during its investigation into the Stephen Port murders of course now form part of what we understand to be wider institutional problems within the service.
“Londoners must be given confidence that these institutionalised problems will be addressed and something like this cannot ever happen again.”